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Thinking of replacing my Bat spaceheater with class D, real world thoughts please

Ok so I know there are already lots of threads on class D both negative and positive

As I have had a very positive result with replacing the ss amps in my ht rig with a single tiny Nuforce class D amp I was tempted to look into the same for my stereo rig.

This is a little more difficult as my present amp is a BAT VK600SE, 120LB of muscle and heat.

Now I am in love with my present sound but still am very curious if class D could do anything for me as it certainly did in the ht rig although those ss amps were not in the BAT league to start with.

So I would like to hear from people who have actually gone this route, replaced their expensive, heavy, power consuming amps with tiny little cold running boxes and what their results were.

Was it uplifting, about the same or make you wish you had never heard of class D!

128x128uberwaltz

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
Um, I think proper room acoustics are important for any setup, 2 channel, 12 channel, tube or digital amps.

I strongly encourage everyone to get that sorted early.

The idea that a well balanced system can't abide a Class D amp is not something I could support. I also could not support the idea that somehow better room acoustics will prove all tubes better than all class-D.

Best,


E
erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
I guess to re-phrase my answers:

I don’t know of any reason why you should NOT consider a Class-D or hybrid (NuForce) amplifier.

I also don’t know you’ll like them better. :)

With the type of amp you have though I’m going to guess you have really gotten used to it’s virtues. Switching to any other amp may be a hard one for you. :)

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
I auditioned the ICEpower amps I currently have side by side with Parasound A23's. The A23's are biased quite hot, about first 20 watts are class-A.

Blindfolded with my current speakers, I simply could not tell them apart.Actually, I couldn't tell them apart even when I knew which amp was which!! :)

Around the same time I got to hear uber-pricey solid state class A gear. I also could not tell they were better, but that was in an entirely different system.

So I replaced my pair of A23's for multiple ICEPower ASP monoblocks and have never ever regretted it.

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
I should also say, I really really find the NuForce hybrid approach VERY interesting indeed. I would love to compare it to the other popular topologies such as Hypex, ICEPower and Pascal.
erik_squires
15,874 posts
 
I think if you can, you should only trust your own ears. I suspect the Class D amps will be different, like any modern solid state amp would be. Will you like it? Does it go in the right direction for you is a deeply personal judgement.

I will say however I find almost all of the categorical claims about Class D sound today pure absurdity. The best of the Class D's can stand up to the best amps today. Would you like them instead.... that's not something I could say.

Best,

E
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